When Paul Hendrix noticed and bought Leone Jei, a 6-year-old horse (then Hay El Desta Ali), he and his brother Emile had no doubt about the perfect rider for him: Martin Fuchs.

Leone Jei is an energetic horse, always active, and only a rider with Martin’s skills could make the most of these qualities.

Intuition proved Hendrix right.

Paired with Martin (Renaissance F2S), this horse quickly distinguished itself internationally.

Leone Jei is also the youngest horse to have completed 4 consecutive 5* Grand Prix without touching a pole (2023).

The two have come a long way together, winning many important competitions.

From the European Championships in Riesenbeck (GER) in 2021, where Leone Jei helped Switzerland win team gold with a double clear round (as well as silver in the individual), to last week’s sensational weekend at the Longines League of Nations in Ocala.

On this occasion, Leone Jei completed no less than four 1.60m clear rounds: the first two led to his GP 5* victory, while the other two enabled the Swiss national team to take second place in the Longines Nations Cup.

We look forward to more moments of top-level sport from this perfectly balanced pair, where horse and rider are truly at the top of their game.

These recent events will certainly put everyone in the right mood to celebrate this champion’s 12th birthday on 26 March.

Cover Photo: Sportfot